Make This Summer About Being Present

Make This Summer About Being Present by Jen Lawrence

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

A lot of us are like Martha: we are so busy with the details of our lives, that we miss out on what’s important. Let’s face it, most of the year we go to school, go to work, and drive everyone to activities. We make the meals, and do the laundry, and pay all of the bills. In the summer, we are able to break from routine a little, which makes it possible to be more present. Here are some ideas for really being there for your family, friends, and God: 

• Take a technology holiday. Many of us are addicted to our smart phones and are forever answering texts or scrolling through Instagram when we are spending time with others. Spend some time this summer tech-free. Play cards together, play music, or just talk.
• Just say no to multitasking. It’s hard to be present when you are doing 20 things at once. Although Jesus was busy teaching and healing, he always turned his full attention to those who needed him. This summer, make a resolution to focus on one thing at a time.
• Build in some quiet time. Psalm 46:10 reads, “Be still and know that I am God.” Each day, take some time to sit quietly and let go of everything but your conversation with God. Often, we hear from God but are so busy running around being busy, we don’t have a chance to really listen. Sit, breathe, let your mind relax, and see how simply being present deepens your faith in God.

The busyness of September will be upon us soon enough. If you use the summer months to work on being present, you can learn to be more like Mary when the Martha season starts.